Reader:

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Morning Minute 3/4/25:

“What Now?...Then, What?”

​Decision-making isn’t just about choosing the best option in the moment. It’s about anticipating how that our decisions influence the actions of others. And, how their reactions will shape what we do next. Every decision is part of a chain reaction. Our ability to adjust in real-time is a critical skill in leadership, team building, and life.

Consider The Ripple Effect of Your Decision:

Your decisions do not exist in isolation. Imagine making a strategic decision such as implementing a new policy, restructuring your team, or shifting your team’s focus. Team members, customers, competitors, and even market forces will react either positively or negatively. As leaders, we must anticipate the many possible ways that others will react.

This requires a mindset that not only asks, What Now? but also, Then, What? Great decision-makers recognize that while they can control their choices, they cannot control the reactions of others. However, they can analyze and adjust based on those anticipated reactions.

To adapt In real time, consider these 3 factors as you make your decision.

1) Predict Likely Reactions: Prior to implementing your decision, ask yourself how stakeholders are likely to respond. Will the team initially embrace or reject the change? Will competitors adjust their strategy? What are the possible unintended consequences that may arise?

2) Observe & Listen: Once your decision is in motion, pay close attention to the responses. Are you seeing alignment or resistance? Are external factors creating unanticipated outcomes? Leaders who listen actively will detect early signs of needed adjustments.

3) Course Correct as Needed: Flexibility is key. Be willing to pivot if the reaction to your decision is different from what you anticipated. Sometimes that requires making a small tweak. Other times, it means rethinking the decision altogether.

Discover The Power of The Follow-Through.

The best decisions are not just well thought out in advance. They are well-managed in execution. The best leaders don’t just decide, What Now? and move on to the next issue. They continually ask, Then, What? The answer to that question ensures that their choices both remain relevant now, and effective as circumstances evolve.

Consider how a coach develops a game plan. Once the game starts, their opponent gets a vote. By anticipating how the opposition will react, the coach can share the necessary adjustments in real time. By coaching the team to notice the opposition’s reaction, the team can make a strategic shift quickly to counter the new threat.

Thus, decision-making is not just about making correct choices. It is about managing the chain reaction that follows. So, the next time you decide, ask:

“What Now?...Then, What?”

That is today’s Morning Minute.

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If you find this message helpful, interesting, and/or informative, please repost this message on social media or send it to others via email. As always, your comments, your questions, and your observations are greatly appreciated! Reach out to me at lab@larryonlearning.com.

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Here are some recent Morning Minutes you may have missed with valuable information and actionable instruction to help you and your team.

​"Why Are You Afraid To Fail?" Discover why that you need not be afraid to fail. See how that mistakes, even failures, teach us that, when corrected, will bring success. Learn how to look at failures differently as you program you mind to embrace failures as learning experiences leading to success,

​"Who Are The Biggest Losers?" Learn the difference between INFORMATION, DISINFORMATION, and MISIMFORMATION! Discover how all 3 were used in the 2024 election and how that their actions in this election created the biggest losers!

​"First Identify The Real Problem!" Learn how that Smartphones, Online Banking, and WIFI all developed as an ANSWER to a PROBLEM. Discover the 4 step method to solving both professional and personal problems. And remember that LIFE REWARDS ACTION!

​"Adjust Your Methods. Not Your Standards!" Learn how that methods can change based on multiple factors, whereas standards do not change. Discover the 5 standards in the T.A.S.T.E. module and how that they control personal behaviors by establishing a professional and personal code of conduct.

​"Expectations Are External, Standards Are Internal!" Learn the difference between Expectations and Standards for yourself and your team.. Discover the 9 standards required to create a successful & productive life for yourself.
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May God bless you, your family, and your team!

Larry A. Bonorato lab@larryonlearning.com 864-630-2625